PICTURE: INSTAGRAM/ THANDO THABETHE
South African actress and radio personality Thando Thabethe became a trending topic this week after revealing that she was hospitalised following a frightening skydiving incident in Cape Town.
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The media star shared the experience with fans through an emotional Instagram video documenting her third skydive, which quickly sparked reactions across social media. According to Thando, the jump took place from 14,000 feet, making it her highest skydive yet.
In the now-viral clip, Thando explained that although she had previously completed skydives in other parts of South Africa, this was her first jump in the Cape Town region. She described the adrenaline-filled experience as both terrifying and empowering.
“There’s a feeling of renewal,” she said in the video, adding that skydiving makes her feel like she can conquer anything in life. However, things took a painful turn during the landing.
Thando revealed that she landed awkwardly on her lower body and buttocks after the jump did not go according to plan. The impact reportedly left her struggling to stand before she was eventually taken to hospital for medical attention.
Despite the scary ordeal, the actress maintained her sense of humour and positive outlook. Captioning the video online, she wrote: “Didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, so I created a movie instead.” She also admitted that she would still go skydiving again despite the incident.
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Fans and fellow celebrities flooded social media with messages of support and well wishes after clips from the landing circulated online. Many praised her for sharing the raw reality behind extreme adventures and for remaining optimistic after the accident.
Actress Nomzamo Mbatha said: “I felt that tailbone crash.”
Actress Zola Nombona said: “Oh no askies mama, hope awulimalanga kakhulu (you not too injured).”
While media personality Boity Thulo said: “Sheesh, that looked painful! Sorry mama.”
The incident also sparked broader conversations online about skydiving safety. Reports noted that while skydiving remains one of the safer extreme sports due to modern equipment and safety measures, landing injuries remain one of the most common risks associated with the activity.
Thando has since hinted that she may share more details about the experience in a follow-up update, leaving fans eager to hear how her recovery journey unfolds.
Also see: Thando Thabethe awarded ‘Coolest Radio Personality’
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